§ Ms KellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to(a) review and (b) evaluate the impact of the Career Development Loan Scheme on educational training. [93628]
§ Mr. MudieThe effectiveness of the Career Development Loan (CDL) Scheme is subject to an annual review against targets and objectives, the Department has also started a fundamental review of the application processes and associated literature in partnership with the participating High Street banks.
In addition, there is a rolling programme of evaluation undertaken by external specialists. The most recent evaluations have been:
In 1997, research into the impact the loans had on individuals and their ability to undertake vocational training or continue in education had the loan not been available;In 1998, research into the views of training providers, both those who actively promote CDLs and those who have not had any trainees use the scheme;In 1999, research into the reasons why people do not take up a loan after showing initial interest and asking for the application pack.The first two reports are available from the DfEE Publications Unit and copies have been placed in the Library. The third will also be available in due course.